Stingher 22 GT – 200hp V6 Mercury
Focchi 620 – Suzuki DF150hp
Stingher 22 GT – 200hp V6 Mercury
Focchi 620 – Suzuki DF150hp
ΖΕΝ 40 - Twin 5.7L V10 400hp Verados
I wouldn't be objective if I claimed that the sharp deep-V of a hull is the best choice for everyone, but ZEN 40 has to show us the deepest V in her transom and the sharpest bow in its class, elements that allow her to handle rough or windy conditions with particular comfort, without at the same time bearing the negative effects of deep-V boats, since according to our extensive sea trials, she is capable of moving very well even with low horsepower, recording excellent fuel consumptions and top speeds that even smaller inflatable boats would envy.
In the previous test with the two V8 300hp on her transom, presentation you can see at this link, ZEN recorded a top speed of 52 knots with consumptions of 2.4 to 2.55 liters/nm at medium rpm, while in our today’s test with the two V10 400hp on her transom she exceeded 62 knots and recorded equally low consumptions at cruising speeds cruise as you will see below.
Compared to our first acquaintance, ZEN has been significantly improved in terms of build quality and finish, while carrying several luxury touches that now make it highly competitive in the demanding market of large inflatable boats.
Despite its strongly aggressive character, it has a comfortable cabin that is lined with excellent materials and can comfortably accommodate 2 people, while under the stern sundeck there is an additional cabin for 2 people.
Its essential difference from ZEN 39 is the incorporation of the particularly useful swimming platforms, thus increasing its length to 12 meters ensuring significant tax relief for professional use.
Under the high-quality fabrics lining the bow cushions, two large storage spaces are formed. The first accommodates the windlass and the anchor chain, while the second and larger, is an ideal space for storing all the boat's equipment as well as our luggage.
The console-cabin has the ideal height so as to ensure very good visibility towards the bow, while the instrument panel has the necessary space even for large navigation devices.
The windshield reaches almost the T-top, offering complete protection from wind and spray for both the captain and copilot as well as the electronics.
As we have emphasized many times, the bow of ZEN 40 may be of limited dimensions due to its strongly aggressive design, but the lounge of the stern is large and has the dimensions of wider boats.
The stern sofa can comfortably accommodate 4 people with 1.93 meters wide.
Underneath there are two individual spaces, one of which houses the boat's electric refrigerator.
The aft sundeck is particularly wide and lifts up with an electric mechanism to reveal the boat's comfortable second cabin, which is lined with high-quality materials.
ZEN 40 ensures great freedom of movement in the aft lounge, which in combination with its two cabins offers everything we need not only for our daily excursions but also for our multi-day vacations.
The additions of the swimming platforms have greatly increased the usable space, which is particularly useful both for our marine activities and for entering or exiting the boat.
At Sea
ZEN 40 of our test housed two Mercury V10 400hp Verado engines on its transom, which with a 2.08:1 gear ratio were turning the large-diameter 4-blade, 25-inch-pitch Revolution X propellers. The design features of these propellers favor keeping heavy boats on plane at low rpm, while saving fuel and achieving high cruising speeds.
It would of course be very wise if Mercury proceeded to produce the same Revolution X propellers in a smaller diameter, something that would be more suitable for 36 to 42 foot inflatable boats allowing them to achieve even higher top speeds, for two main reasons: firstly because we will be able to apply a longer pitch and of course because the existing very large diameter is a lagging factor in reaching high speeds where the water ceases to act as a liquid element, resulting in a huge increase in resistances.
So with this expectation, we set out to the open sea in order to evaluate the boat and record our measurements. The 26 degrees at the stern combined with the 62 degrees at the bow entrance allow ZEN 40 to cut through choppy water like butter and significantly reduce the amount of spray, providing particularly smoother, enjoyable and more stable ride. The result is that we are able to travel at high speeds in heavy weather conditions, to control absolutely the boat with an increased degree of confidence in its handling and thus to reach quickly and safely even distant destinations.
With 300 liters of fuel, a crew of 4, all equipment on board and ideal sea conditions, ZEN 40 was standing on plane with 17 knots at 2400 rpm, got out of the hole in 4 seconds and accelerated to 30 knots in 6 seconds.
Throttle response was excellent throughout the whole rpm range and the boat was cruising with 27 knots at just 3500 rpm, where we also recorded the most economical cruising speed burning 2.5 liters per nautical mile.
At 4000 rpm, our speed was 33 knots with a fuel consumption of 2.6 liters per mile, while at 4500 rpm we were travelling at 39 knots burning 2.8 liters per mile. The above consumptions are particularly low if we consider that we had a 12 meter long boat in our hands.
At wide open throttle, we exceeded 62 knots of top speed while the engines were easily over revving, allowing us to go to longer pitch propellers with all that entails.
You can see the detailed measurements in the table below:
Studying our measurements, we notice the very good slip values we recorded with the specific propellers and at the specific mounting height of the engines, which demonstrates a very good set-up that does not need any further intervention.
Wanting to see the boat's performance with a longer propellers’ pitchwe went again for a short test the next day. With less loads and the same weather conditions, wearing the 27΄΄ propellers, we recorded a higher top speed which reached 63.3 knots while the engines reached their maximum rpm limit. At low and medium rpm we saw 2 to 3 knots higher cruising speeds, but the slip numbers throughout the whole rpm range were significantly increased.
You can see our measurements with the 27'' propellers in the following table:
The weather conditions during our sea trial were excellent, but did not allow us to enjoy the capabilities of the ZEN 40's knifelike hull.
So we were content to play with our wakes, once again experiencing the high level of smooth ride of the boat, with its narrow and aggressive bow constantly challenging us for great thrills.
Manufacturer:
ΖΕΝΜΑΡΙΝΕ
36km Leoforos Lavriou – 19001, Kouvaras - ATTICA
Tel.: +30 6945 550 661
email: zenmarine.info@gmail.com
www.zenmarine.gr
